Governor Tomblin Signs TIF Bill at WVU Baseball Game

The Monongalia County Tax Increment Financing bill was approved in a special session on April 17.

On Tuesday, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin signed the bill into law at Hawley Field between the second and third innings of the West Virginia University vs. Pitt baseball game.

The bill means good things for Morgantown and Monongalia County.

"It means construction jobs, permanent jobs, a new home for the Mountaineer baseball team, plus other teams, baseball teams, to possibly use the facilities," Tomblin said. "I just look at it as a complete economic development project."

Tomblin said the new stadium could possibly have more than one team playing on it.

"I understand there may be some semi-pro teams coming into the area, which once again, creates another opportunity for people to get out, bring tourism in," said Tomblin.

The TIF bill will also add a new exit to Interstate 79.

"There will be new access roads coming in right off the interchange. We have a 100,000 square foot health facility going up right there," said WVU President Jim Clements. "This is about economic development, and infrastructure, so it's a win-win for the university, for the community and for the state."

Clements couldn't have been happier that Governor Tomblin came to the game to sign the bill.

WVU fans filled the stadium to watch the game, and to see Tomblin sign a bill that will help WVU overall. Tomblin was accompanied by senators, members of the House of Delegates, and Morgantown officials.